Let Us Choose: A Survey of Floridians Age 35+ on Long-Term Care Choices

This and Related Reports

This survey examines the long-term care (LTC) perceptions and experiences of Floridians age 35 and older and finds that their fundamental concern is consumer choice. At least 90 percent consider it important to choose how and where they would receive LTC services.

With about a third of the Florida Medicaid budget going to long-term care, two thirds of the program’s LTC dollars are spent for nursing home care, even though most people would rather receive LTC services in their own homes or in the community.

Of those surveyed, 77 percent want to receive LTC services at home, with help from family and friends, help from professionals, or a combination of both. And 85 percent say it is extremely or very important to them that these services help them stay at home for as long as possible.

Floridians take consumer choice of long-term care seriously enough to allow it to affect their voting behavior. Fifty-seven percent say they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who supports letting Floridians choose how and where they receive Medicaid LTC services, compared to the seven percent less likely to vote for such a candidate, while 29 percent say that a candidate’s stance on the issue would not make a difference to them.

The telephone survey of 1,512 age 35+ Floridians was conducted between October 13 and November 14, 2005. Further information may be obtained by contacting Rachelle Cummins at 202-434-6297. (36 pages)